Venezuelan military affirms readiness to face challenges in Essequibo region dispute

Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López said the country's armed forces are ready to face "the challenges ahead" to continue "ensuring national sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Quân đội Venezuela khẳng định sẵn sàng đối diện thách thức trong tranh chấp vùng Essequibo

Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López affirmed the readiness of the country's military forces amid the heated dispute over the Essequibo region. (Source: Presidential Press)

On December 26, Minister Padrino López affirmed that the Venezuelan military remains on alert to protect the disputed Essequibo territory with Guyana.

On the same day, the President of Venezuela's Latin American Parliament, Ángel Rodríguez, condemned the UK's decision to send warships to Guyana as the South American country faces a border dispute with neighboring Venezuela over the oil-rich Essequibo region.

According to Mr. Rodríguez, the move that London described as “military and diplomatic support” for Georgetown was a provocative act that threatened regional peace.

Venezuela's Latin American Parliament also affirmed that Caracas does not accept any form of threat, regardless of where it comes from.

Mr. Ángel Rodríguez accused Britain of intending to create a confrontation between Venezuela and Guyana, although the two countries have agreed to avoid the use of force and not to escalate tensions in the long-standing dispute.

London has not yet responded to Caracas's information.

Source